Very insightful piece! I was present for the passing of three people-both of my parents and a close friend. The friend's passing was different because he had befriended death.
My friend was in his 70s, very healthy and vibrant. He started falling a lot. Went for a brain scan. Found an aggressive brain tumor. He understood well the path ahead with surgery, recovery, side effects, etc. Ultimately, he decided to refuse treatment. He passed 3-4 months later. Never once did he appear to us to regret his decision. He made the call and waited for the process to play out. I respect him for his decision and his courage - but he didn't seem to need much courage once his mind was made up.
First of all - Wow! Henri Nouwen! Lucky you. Second - this idea of befriending death pleases my ear and my heart. What a concept!
Thanks, Annie!
Wise words…thank you ! 😘🙏🏻🌻
Thanks, friend!
Very insightful piece! I was present for the passing of three people-both of my parents and a close friend. The friend's passing was different because he had befriended death.
Thank you, Diane. I’m intrigued by your different experiences, especially your friend who befriended death.
I'm with Annie - How fortunate you are to have studied under Henri Nouwen! Your words have given me a lot to think about!
Thank you, Dianne. All of us who knew Henri also knew how fortunate we were.
My friend was in his 70s, very healthy and vibrant. He started falling a lot. Went for a brain scan. Found an aggressive brain tumor. He understood well the path ahead with surgery, recovery, side effects, etc. Ultimately, he decided to refuse treatment. He passed 3-4 months later. Never once did he appear to us to regret his decision. He made the call and waited for the process to play out. I respect him for his decision and his courage - but he didn't seem to need much courage once his mind was made up.
Thank you for sharing this, Diane.
We're all in Earth School (if we can receive it). So, if physical death can teach us one thing, it is how to live a finite life!